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MBR, edited by Bob Anderson, features unique races, runner stories, tips, and global news. KATARunningRetreat.com My Best Runs allows its members to rate races.

Inspiring the running comminuty daily @ MyBestRuns.com

Follow KATA ( KenyanAthleticTrainingAcademy) Retreats in Kenya & Portugal. At MyBestRuns.com, the highest honor a race can receive is to be recognized as a My BEST 100 Race. This exclusive distinction goes only to the 100 races who’ve been given a perfect 10 race rating. These are considered the best 100 races in the world. My BEST Illustrated Race Calendar

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Many races will offer exclusive promo codes available only at My Best Runs. Our site doesn’t require you to pre purchase any race offer. Promo codes are simply emailed to each runner, can be shared with friends and redeemed directly through the official race registration site. My BEST 5 Star Rating

Who better to rate a race than runners themselves. Ratings are a valuable resource for runners as they search for the races they want to run. My BEST Bucket List

Simply put, these are races you want to run. Dreams do come true. Just click on the My Bucket List button on the race profile page and the race will be added to your profile. You can add and delete at any time. Just login to your profile to makes these changes. My BEST Ran It List

Find races we’re following that you’ve run. Click on the Ran It button and record your performance. My BEST Comments

My Best Runs gives you a voice and the ability to leave a comment about races you have run or know about it. Comments help races achieve a better score and ultimately become a My BEST 100 Race. Seeing comments about each race helps runners finalize their plans to register and will also help the race directors gather feedback and make their race the best it can be. My BEST Prize Money

In today’s world there are hundreds of runners whose sole income comes from running races. Other runners also get recognized and are given prize money for top performances. At My BEST Runs, if you’re an elite runner, you can search for races based on the prize money being offered. The prize money we report assumes all bonus money is achieved and paid out in US Dollars. The prize money listed is based on a best estimate as documented by My Best Runs. For exact prize money verification, contact the race directly. My BEST Race Leaderboard

Many races being followed by My BEST Runs will post results of their top finishers along with age group winners. Viewing these results will help runners find the fastest courses and the best competition either up front or in their age-group. My BEST For Race Directors

My Best Runs is built for runners and race directors and our goal is to be the go-to site for finding the best races in the world.

11/04/2026

Three Iconic Moments, One Coveted Crown: Sawe, Josh Kerr And Botswana Battle For World Athletics 2026 Moment Of The Year!

Three extraordinary achievements. Three unforgettable chapters in athletics history. But when the spotlight shines on the World Athletics Awards, only one moment will earn the ultimate recognition as the 2026 World Athletics Moment of the Year.

The competition features three remarkable contenders whose performances captured the imagination of athletics fans around the world, celebrating the courage, determination and extraordinary talent that make the sport so special.

Kenya's Sebastian Sawe is among the finalists following his sensational performance at the 2026 London Marathon, where he shattered the men's marathon world record with an astonishing time of 1:59:30. In becoming the first man to run an official, record-eligible marathon in under two hours, Sawe achieved a milestone that once seemed beyond the limits of human possibility. His historic performance elevated marathon running to an entirely new level and further strengthened Kenya's reputation as a global powerhouse in long-distance athletics.

British middle-distance sensation Josh Kerr is also in contention after producing a remarkable performance in London, where he established a new world record in the mile with an incredible time of 3:42.66. His achievement demonstrated his exceptional speed, strength and competitive brilliance, further cementing his status among the greatest middle-distance runners of his generation.

Completing the shortlist is Team Botswana, whose extraordinary triumph in the men's 4x400m at the World Athletics Relays on home soil delivered a defining moment for the African nation. Clocking an impressive 2:54.47 to secure gold, the Botswana quartet made history in front of their passionate home supporters. It was more than a sporting victory; it was a powerful celebration of national pride and the country's growing influence in international athletics.

Each achievement tells a different story: Sawe's extraordinary marathon breakthrough, Kerr's record-breaking brilliance and Botswana's historic relay triumph. Yet they share one special quality — the ability to inspire millions, transcend national boundaries and create memories that will remain part of athletics history.

The prestigious winner will be announced at the World Athletics Awards in Monaco on November 29, 2026, when the global athletics community gathers to celebrate the outstanding performances and personalities that have defined the year.

For Kenya, the big question is whether Sebastian Sawe can bring another prestigious international honour home following his remarkable marathon achievement. Will Josh Kerr claim the recognition for Great Britain, or will Botswana's historic relay triumph deliver another moment of glory for African athletics?

Three nations. Three historic achievements. One prestigious award.

WHICH MOMENT DESERVES TO BE CROWNED THE WORLD ATHLETICS MOMENT OF THE YEAR?

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

11/03/2026

Sweden’s Andreas Almgren has turned his marathon debut into a piece of history.

The 31-year-old produced a stunning performance at the 2026 New York City Marathon, winning in 2:06:01 and becoming the first Swedish man to conquer one of the world’s most prestigious marathons.

But Almgren’s breakthrough was about far more than a personal victory. His triumph marked the end of a remarkable era of African dominance in two of the sport’s biggest distance-running competitions.

Almgren became the first non-African-born male winner of the New York City Marathon since Brazil’s Marílson Gomes dos Santos claimed his second title in 2008. For 18 years, the race had remained without another non-African-born male champion.

His achievement also added another remarkable chapter to a career that has already produced a major global breakthrough. Almgren had previously become the first non-African man since Italy’s Stefano Baldini in 1996 to win the World Half Marathon title, ending a three-decade wait for another victory of that kind.

His New York triumph was even more unusual because it came on his marathon debut. Almgren became the first man since Ethiopia’s Gebre Gebremariam in 2010 to win the New York City Marathon in his first attempt at the distance.

For Sweden, the significance is even greater.

Almgren is now the first Swedish man to win the New York City Marathon and the first Swedish athlete to claim a men’s World Marathon Major title, placing his name alongside some of the greatest distance runners in history.

New York has long been a stage where experienced marathoners, Olympic medallists and established champions battle for glory. Almgren arrived without a marathon race on his résumé and left with one of the most remarkable debut victories the event has witnessed.

His 2:06:01 was not simply a winning time. It was the performance that transformed an ambitious first marathon into a landmark moment for Swedish athletics.

From the World Half Marathon title to the streets of New York, Almgren has now broken barriers that had stood for decades.

A new chapter in marathon history has begun — and Sweden has found its newest distance-running star.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

11/02/2026

Andreas Almgren from Sweden Makes History With Stunning New York City Marathon Debut!

From an 800m junior to a world road-running champion — and now a New York City Marathon winner. Andreas Almgren’s remarkable transformation has reached another extraordinary level.

Sweden’s Andreas Almgren has produced a marathon debut for the history books, winning the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon in 2:06:01 and becoming the first man to win the iconic race on his debut over the 26.2-mile distance.

The 31-year-old Swede arrived in New York without a marathon on his résumé, yet he handled the demanding five-borough course with the confidence and composure of a seasoned marathoner. By the finish, he had established himself as the latest champion of one of the most prestigious races in world road running.

Almgren crossed the line 13 seconds clear of Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa, who finished second in 2:06:14. The victory completed a remarkable progression for an athlete whose career has taken him far beyond his original middle-distance roots.

Almgren’s historic victory came in an incredibly tight men’s race, with just 16 seconds separating the top 10 finishers. Yemaneberhan Crippa followed closely in second, while Kamohelo Mofolo secured an impressive third place, only 25 seconds behind the winner. Defending champion Benson Kipruto finished fourth, with Haftu Strintzos fifth and Zouhair Talbi sixth. Ryota Kondo, Ahmed Muhumed, Geoffrey Kamworor and Ryan Ford completed a remarkably competitive top 10, with several athletes separated by only seconds at the finish.

2026 TCS NEW YORK CITY MARATHON — MEN'S TOP 10

1. Andreas Almgren — Sweden — 2:06:01

2. Yemaneberhan Crippa — Italy — 2:06:14

3. Kamohelo Mofolo — Lesotho — 2:06:26

4. Benson Kipruto — Kenya — 2:06:27

5. Haftu Strintzos — Australia — 2:06:34

6. Zouhair Talbi — United States — 2:06:43

7. Ahmed Muhumed — United States — 2:07:08

8. Geoffrey Kamworor — Kenya — 2:07:09

9. Ryota Kondo — Japan — 2:07:09

10. Ryan Ford — United States — 2:07:17

The New York triumph comes only weeks after Almgren became the World Road Running Championships half marathon champion in Copenhagen. There, he stormed to victory in 58:06, setting a new European record and underlining the endurance that would eventually carry him to marathon glory.

His 2026 season had already been extraordinary before he arrived in New York. In January, Almgren ran 26:45 for 10km in Valencia, continuing his rapid rise on the roads. He later captured the European 10,000m title, adding another major championship crown to an increasingly impressive résumé.

He also remains the European record-holder over 5,000m, highlighting the extraordinary range that has become a defining feature of his career.

But perhaps the most remarkable chapter of Almgren’s journey began much earlier.

As a junior, he was primarily an 800m runner, winning bronze at the 2014 World U20 Championships. Over the years, he gradually transformed himself from a middle-distance specialist into one of Europe’s leading long-distance athletes, moving successfully through the 5,000m and 10,000m, then onto the roads and eventually the marathon.

Twelve years after standing on the podium as an 800m junior, Almgren has now conquered one of the world’s most famous marathons.

And he did it on his very first attempt.

His performance in New York was more than a victory. It was the latest and perhaps most spectacular milestone in a career defined by reinvention, range and an extraordinary ability to keep raising the limits of what seemed possible.

Andreas Almgren came to New York for his first marathon. He left as a champion — and a piece of history.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/30/2026

Benson Kipruto Chases An Exclusive Fifth World Marathon Major In New York

Only two men have ever won five of the Abbott World Marathon Majors: Eliud Kipchoge and Wilson Kipsang.

On Sunday, Benson Kipruto will have the opportunity to make that exclusive list even more Kenyan.

The 35-year-old already has four Major victories to his name, with triumphs in Tokyo, Boston, Chicago and New York. His latest came in spectacular fashion last November, when he edged compatriot Alexander Mutiso by just three hundredths of a second in one of the closest finishes in New York City Marathon history. Both were officially timed at 2:08:09, but Kipruto was declared the winner after an extraordinary sprint to the line.

That victory was more than another trophy. It demonstrated Kipruto’s ability to remain composed when the pressure is at its highest, then produce the decisive move when victory is measured in inches. Now, he returns to the streets of New York carrying a different kind of pressure: the chance to join one of the most exclusive clubs in marathon running.

Defending a New York City Marathon title is never a simple task. The course demands patience, strength and tactical intelligence, while the depth of the elite field leaves almost no room for a bad moment. Kipruto will have to overcome a lineup packed with proven championship performers and several athletes capable of producing a breakthrough performance.

Among his biggest challengers is Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, who owns a 2:02:38 personal best, while Kenya’s CyBrian Kotut enters with a 2:03:22. American Conner Mantz brings a 2:04:43 national record to the start line, while former champions Geoffrey Kamworor and Abdi Nageeye add further experience to an already formidable field.

And then there is Andreas Almgren.

The Swedish star will make his marathon debut in New York after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most versatile distance runners. Almgren arrives as the European record-holder over 5,000m and half marathon and recently won the European 10,000m title in championship-record fashion. Rather than choosing an easier course for his first marathon, he has opted for the demanding streets of New York.

Kipruto, however, has already proved that he knows how to win on the biggest stages. His marathon personal best of 2:02:16 places him among the fastest men in the field, but his greatest weapon may be his racing experience. He has repeatedly shown that he can stay in contention deep into a race and deliver when the decisive moment arrives.

Now the equation is brutally simple.

Four Major victories have already established Kipruto among the elite of his generation. A fifth would move him alongside Kipchoge and Kipsang as only the third man in history to reach that milestone.

New York gave Kipruto one of the most dramatic victories of his career last year. On Sunday, the same streets could provide another defining chapter.

Can Benson Kipruto defend his New York title, conquer another world-class field and become only the third man ever to win five World Marathon Majors?

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/29/2026

Hellen Obiri vs Sheila Chepkirui in New York City — round three.

The streets of New York are preparing for another fascinating chapter in a growing Kenyan marathon rivalry, as two of the last three winners of the TCS New York City Marathon return to the Big Apple for another showdown on Sunday.

Obiri arrives as the defending champion and one of the biggest names in the elite women’s field, while Chepkirui returns determined to reclaim the title she won in 2024. Their recent history in New York has already produced two dramatically different outcomes, setting the stage for another potentially unforgettable battle.

Chepkirui announced herself on the New York stage in 2024 by producing a breakthrough performance to win her first TCS New York City Marathon title in 2:24:35. Obiri, who had won the race the previous year in 2:27:23, finished runner-up in 2:24:49 — just 14 seconds behind her fellow Kenyan.

But Obiri responded in emphatic fashion twelve months later. In the 2025 edition, she produced a sensational performance to win in 2:19:51, smashing the previous course record and becoming a two-time New York champion. Sharon Lokedi finished second in 2:20:07, while Chepkirui placed third in 2:20:24.

Now they meet again, with the balance of power once more up for debate.

Obiri has plenty of momentum behind her. Earlier this year, she lowered her marathon personal best to 2:15:53 when she finished second at the 2026 London Marathon, establishing herself as the fastest woman entered in this year’s New York field.

Chepkirui, however, is far from an outsider. Her 2:17:29 personal best makes her one of the strongest challengers in the field, and her victory over Obiri in New York two years ago is proof that she has the strength, patience and tactical ability to thrive on one of marathon running’s most demanding courses.

For Obiri, the motivation goes beyond simply defending her crown. A third New York victory would elevate her into the exclusive company of three-time champions, alongside the legendary Paula Radcliffe. After winning in 2023 and again in 2025, Obiri now has another opportunity to add her name to one of the race’s most prestigious lists.

Yet Chepkirui knows exactly what it takes to defeat her. She has already stood on top of the podium in New York, and after finishing third behind Obiri last year, she will have every reason to believe she can reverse the order once again.

The race itself could make their battle even more intriguing. New York’s five-borough course, bridges, hills and notoriously unpredictable tactics rarely allow the marathon to unfold like a straightforward time trial. Every surge and every decision could become decisive as the runners make their way toward the final miles and the iconic finish in Central Park.

Two Kenyan champions. Two recent New York winners. One course that has already witnessed them trade victories.

Obiri wants history. Chepkirui wants revenge.

And when the battle reaches the streets of Manhattan and the final stretch into Central Park, the question will be simple:

Who will rule New York this time — Hellen Obiri or Sheila Chepkirui?

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/28/2026

Kenyan marathon stars Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto will return to the streets of New York on Sunday, November 1, 2026, aiming to retain their titles at the TCS New York City Marathon and extend Kenya’s remarkable legacy in one of the world’s most prestigious road races.

Both athletes arrive as defending champions, carrying the confidence of previous victories but facing formidable opposition in their pursuit of another memorable triumph through the five boroughs of New York City.

Obiri Targets Another Historic New York Triumph

In the women’s race, Obiri will be looking to build on her outstanding performance in 2025, when she won in a course-record time of 2:19:51. The victory further underlined her exceptional ability to excel over the marathon distance and on New York’s demanding course.

A three-time winner would strengthen Obiri’s standing among the most successful women to have competed in the event. However, retaining her crown will require another outstanding performance against a competitive field featuring familiar rivals and accomplished marathoners.

Among her principal challengers is compatriot Sheila Chepkirui, the 2024 champion, who knows what it takes to conquer the streets of New York. Veteran Kenyan marathoner Edna Kiplagat also brings considerable experience and a distinguished record to the contest, adding further depth to the women’s race.

Obiri’s combination of speed, endurance and championship experience makes her a leading contender, but the defending champion will need to deliver another commanding performance to remain ahead of the competition.

Kipruto Seeks Consecutive Victories After Dramatic 2025 Finish

In the men’s race, Kipruto returns with the same objective: to defend his title and prove once again that he belongs among the elite marathoners of his generation.

His 2025 victory remains memorable for its extraordinary finish. Kipruto clocked 2:08:09, edging training partner Alexander Mutiso by just 0.03 seconds in a thrilling sprint through Central Park. The razor-thin margin provided a dramatic conclusion to a fiercely contested race and highlighted the fine margins separating victory from defeat at the highest level.

Kipruto will now attempt to become a back-to-back champion in a field expected to test his endurance, tactical awareness and finishing strength. Standing among the notable challengers are former New York City Marathon champions Geoffrey Kamworor and Abdi Nageeye, both of whom possess the experience and ability to challenge for the title.

With the course demanding sustained effort across all five boroughs before the decisive final miles in Central Park, Kipruto will need to manage his race carefully if he is to repeat last year's success.

His previous victory provides a strong foundation, but defending a major marathon title is never straightforward, particularly against opponents who understand the demands of the course.

Kenya's Double Defence Takes Centre Stage

The prospect of Obiri and Kipruto successfully defending their respective crowns adds an exciting dimension to Sunday's race. Both athletes have already demonstrated that they can handle the pressure of competing at the highest level, but the challenge now is to reproduce those performances against determined challengers.

For Obiri, another victory would further enhance an already impressive marathon résumé. For Kipruto, consecutive titles would reinforce his reputation as one of the sport's most formidable competitors over 42.195 kilometres.

Kenya has a proud tradition at the New York City Marathon, and the two defending champions will once again carry the nation's hopes into one of the biggest events on the global road-running calendar.

With the starting gun set to send thousands of runners through the streets of New York, all eyes will be on the elite races as Obiri and Kipruto attempt to turn another demanding Sunday into a memorable chapter in their careers.

Two defending champions, two fiercely contested races and one major opportunity for Kenya to celebrate another New York double.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/27/2026

Kiprop Kimutai Smashes Course Record With Stunning 58:36 Victory At Marseille-Cassis 20K!

Kenya’s Kiprop Kimutai produced a sensational performance at the 47th edition of the Marseille-Cassis 20K in France on Sunday, October 25, 2026, storming to victory in 58:36 and setting a new course record in one of Europe’s most celebrated road races.

Kimutai delivered an outstanding display of strength, speed and endurance over the demanding 20-kilometre course, which is renowned for its challenging hills and spectacular Mediterranean scenery. His remarkable time of 58:36 underlined his dominance on the day, as he crossed the finish line well ahead of the chasing pack to claim a memorable victory.

The Marseille-Cassis race has built a strong reputation for testing athletes with its demanding elevation changes, making Kimutai’s achievement particularly impressive. His performance added another memorable chapter to the event’s long history and highlighted Kenya’s continued strength in international road running.

Djibouti’s Houssein Sougueh secured second place in 1:00:07 after an impressive run, finishing more than a minute behind the Kenyan winner. Uganda’s Silas Boch completed the podium, taking third in 1:00:26 after a strong performance against a competitive international field.

Kenya secured another top-four finish through Gilbert Kipkosgei Kiprotich, who clocked 1:00:28 to finish fourth, just two seconds behind Boch in a closely contested battle for the final podium positions.

Morocco’s Said Kaddour finished fifth in 1:01:04, followed by Congo’s Alex-Franck Ngouari-Mouissi in sixth in 1:01:17. France’s Enzo Couderchet placed seventh in 1:01:38, with compatriot Valentin Andre finishing eighth in 1:02:11. Alexis Miellet took ninth in 1:02:59, while Quentin Meyleu completed the top 10 in 1:03:34.

For Kimutai, the victory was more than a race win. Breaking the course record at such a prestigious event demonstrated his ability to excel on a challenging route while competing against a strong international field. His 58:36 performance will stand as the defining result of the 2026 edition.

The race once again showcased the depth of international road-running talent, with athletes from Kenya, Djibouti, Uganda, Morocco, Congo and France featuring prominently in the men's standings.

As the Marseille-Cassis 20K celebrated its 47th edition, Kimutai emerged as its outstanding performer, combining a commanding victory with a course-record achievement that will be remembered among the highlights of this year's race.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/26/2026

Kenyan twins Caroline and Purity Gitonga delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 Valencia Half Marathon in Spain, with both athletes setting new personal bests in a memorable display of endurance, determination, and sibling excellence.

Caroline led the way, clocking an impressive 1:04:59 to finish sixth in the women's race. The performance marked a significant breakthrough for the talented Kenyan, who improved her previous personal best of 1:06:26 by 1 minute and 27 seconds, underlining her continued progress among the world's leading half-marathon runners.

Her twin sister, Purity, was equally impressive, crossing the finish line in 1:05:56 to secure 11th place. She shaved 1 minute and 35 seconds off her previous personal best of 1:07:31, completing a remarkable day for the sisters as they both reached new milestones in their athletic careers.

Their performances highlighted the strength of Kenya's distance-running tradition while showcasing the individual talent and shared determination that have made the Gitonga twins athletes to watch. Competing on one of the world's fastest half-marathon courses, Caroline and Purity demonstrated their ability to translate hard training into significant improvements on the international stage.

Having a twin sister who understands the demands of elite athletics can provide a unique source of motivation. From the discipline required during training to the challenges of competing against the world's best, the sisters share a journey that extends beyond the finish line. Their latest achievements in Valencia offer another inspiring example of how ambition, perseverance, and mutual encouragement can drive athletes toward new heights.

For Caroline, finishing sixth in 1:04:59 represents another important step in her development, while Purity's 1:05:56 performance confirms her own impressive progress. Although they finished several places apart, their achievements tell the same powerful story: two athletes pushing their limits and continuing to improve against a highly competitive international field.

Valencia once again provided a stage for exceptional distance-running performances, and the Gitonga twins made the most of the opportunity. Their personal bests are not only a testament to their hard work but also an encouraging sign of what they could accomplish as they continue to gain experience and pursue even greater ambitions.

Two sisters, two personal bests, and one unforgettable day on the roads of Valencia. Caroline and Purity Gitonga have given Kenyan athletics another reason to celebrate, and their latest performances will undoubtedly strengthen interest in what the talented twins can achieve in the seasons ahead.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/23/2026

Casablanca Half Marathon 2026: Regina Wambui Ndungu Leads Kenyan Charge Against Morocco’s Best

The women’s elite race at the 2026 Casablanca Half Marathon promises an exciting battle for supremacy on Sunday, October 25, as Kenya’s Regina Wambui Ndungu leads a competitive international field featuring Uganda’s Rispa Cherop and Morocco’s homegrown stars.

With a personal best of 1:07:10, Ndungu arrives as the fastest athlete listed in the women’s elite field, making her a leading contender for victory. However, the Kenyan will face a determined challenge from athletes eager to seize the spotlight on Moroccan soil, setting the stage for an intriguing contest over 21.0975 kilometres.

Ndungu’s credentials place her firmly among the favourites, but translating that status into victory will require a composed and tactically intelligent performance. The outcome could depend on how the leading contenders manage the pace, respond to changes in the race, and position themselves for the decisive kilometres.

Morocco’s Rahma Tahiri is expected to be among the principal challengers. With a personal best of 1:08:34, she possesses the speed to compete for the title and will have the added motivation of racing in front of the home crowd. A victory on familiar roads would be a significant achievement, and Tahiri will be eager to make the most of the opportunity.

Uganda’s Rispa Cherop also enters the contest with a strong performance record. Her personal best of 1:08:53 places her among the leading contenders, within striking distance of Tahiri and close enough to Ndungu to make the contest unpredictable. If she can remain in contact with the front-runners through the early stages, Cherop could emerge as a serious threat in the closing kilometres.

Beyond the leading trio, the field features several Moroccan athletes seeking to challenge the established favourites. Meryeme Azrour, with a personal best of 1:09:46, and Kaoutar Farkoussi, who has run 1:09:58, are both capable of adding depth to the contest. Fatima Aafir, listed at 1:10:54, will also be among the athletes looking to produce a competitive performance.

Other names on the entry list include Soukaina Elhaji (1:12:49), Hanane El Bajjaoui (1:14:13), Rababe Arafi (1:14:20), Jamila Ayachi (1:15:12), Liz Romo (1:14:59), Sakina El Adel (1:16:51) and Fatima Zahra Erregui (1:17:44).

With several athletes boasting personal bests below 1:10, the leading group could produce an aggressive race from the outset. However, the fastest personal best does not guarantee victory, and the ability to execute the right strategy on race day will ultimately determine who comes out on top.

The Casablanca Half Marathon will provide an important opportunity for the elite women to test themselves against international opposition while showcasing the depth of distance-running talent from Morocco and beyond.

For Ndungu, the objective will be to convert her position as the fastest entrant into a winning performance. For Tahiri, the challenge is to turn home advantage into a memorable triumph. Cherop, meanwhile, will be looking to upset the leading contenders and take the title back to Uganda.

With Kenyan ambition, Ugandan determination and Moroccan home-crowd support converging on the same course, the women’s elite contest promises to be one of the key attractions of the 2026 Casablanca Half Marathon.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/22/2026

At 81, Spanish endurance runner Juan López García is challenging conventional ideas about ageing, proving that extraordinary athletic achievements can emerge long after most people believe their sporting years are behind them. In 2025, López clocked an astonishing 4:47:39 for 50 kilometres, reportedly shattering the men's 80-and-over world record by nearly 50 minutes.

Known affectionately as “Super López,” the Spaniard has become an extraordinary example of late-life athletic development. His story is even more remarkable because he did not spend his youth chasing medals or building a career in competitive running. Instead, he spent decades working as a mechanic in Toledo, Spain, fixing engines and earning his living before discovering his own remarkable endurance potential in retirement.

López did not begin running until he was 66, and he did not enter his first race until he was 70. What started as a simple way to stay active gradually developed into a passion that would transform his life. Rather than accepting the limitations commonly associated with advancing age, he continued training, racing and discovering what his body could achieve.

His journey offers a powerful reminder that sporting potential does not always emerge early. Sometimes, it takes decades of life experience before a person discovers an ability they never knew they possessed.

The scale of his achievement became even clearer when researchers examined his physiology. In a scientific study published in Frontiers in Physiology, López recorded a maximum oxygen uptake, or VO₂ max, of 52.8 millilitres per kilogram per minute. This measures the body's ability to take in and use oxygen during intense exercise and is a key indicator of aerobic fitness. Researchers described the value as the highest they knew of in an individual over 80, comparable to the 70th percentile among healthy men aged 20 to 30.

His other physiological measurements were equally remarkable. López reached his lactate threshold at 10.5 kilometres per hour, precisely the average speed he maintained during his record-breaking 50K. His maximum fat oxidation rate was measured at 0.55 grams per minute, achieved at 84 per cent of his VO₂ max. Researchers also found evidence of exceptionally well-preserved muscle oxygen utilisation, helping explain how he could sustain such a demanding effort for nearly five hours.

López's performance was no accident. Reports indicate that he runs between approximately 65 and 120 kilometres per week, training across six days and incorporating faster sessions alongside endurance work. His approach reflects the discipline of his former profession: consistency, attention to detail and a willingness to keep working towards a goal. Although genetics undoubtedly contribute to his extraordinary physiology, his training demonstrates the potential for endurance fitness to develop well into later life.

His achievements extend beyond ultrarunning. In 2024, López ran the marathon in 3:39:10, establishing a European record in the men's 80-and-over category. He has also claimed the world marathon title in his age group, further underlining his remarkable versatility across long-distance events.

What makes López's story so compelling is not simply the time he ran or the records he broke. It is the fact that his journey began when many people would consider their opportunity for competitive sport long gone. He did not grow up dreaming of world records, nor did he spend his younger years building an elite running career. He discovered the sport in retirement and gradually transformed a simple recreational activity into an extraordinary pursuit of endurance.

His case also offers valuable lessons for sports science. Ageing inevitably brings physiological changes, but regular physical activity can help preserve cardiovascular fitness, muscle function and the body's ability to use oxygen efficiently. López's results cannot be expected of every older athlete, and his individual genetics may play an important role. Nevertheless, his example provides researchers with a rare opportunity to understand how training and exceptional physiology can combine to support high-level endurance performance in advanced age.

At 81, Juan López García was not merely participating in sport to stay active. He was running 50 kilometres at an average pace of approximately 5:45 per kilometre, demonstrating a level of endurance that would challenge many younger runners. His story is a powerful reminder that age does not have to mark the end of ambition, discovery or physical achievement.

For anyone who believes they have waited too long to start running, the Spanish mechanic offers an extraordinary example. He began at 66, entered his first race at 70 and went on to produce one of the most remarkable age-group performances in endurance running.

Super López did not spend his life chasing youth. He discovered running late, committed himself to the process and continued to push his limits. At 81, his message is unmistakable: it is never too late to begin, and sometimes the most extraordinary chapter of an athletic life comes when nobody expects it.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

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